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RI S3064

Bill

Status

Introduced

3/12/2026

Primary Sponsor

Susan Sosnowski

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Appropriates $5,000,000 from general revenues to the University of Rhode Island for fiscal year 2027 to initiate establishment of a medical school

  • Funds designated for hiring a founding dean and senior leadership, recruiting core faculty and staff, accreditation preparation, and curriculum planning

  • Anticipated additional appropriations of $7,000,000 in fiscal year 2028 and $8,000,000 in fiscal year 2029, though future General Assemblies are not bound to these amounts

  • URI must submit a progress report to the governor and General Assembly by January 1, 2028, covering fund usage, accreditation progress, hiring status, and projected timeline and budget

  • Legislative findings cite Rhode Island's projected physician shortage, particularly in primary care and underserved communities, as justification for the investment

Legislative Description

Establishes the framework to create a medical school at the University of Rhode Island and provides an initial appropriation of five million dollars ($5,000,000) as the first phase of a multi-year investment for the development of a medical school.

Education

Last Action

Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services

3/12/2026

Committee Referrals

Health and Human Services3/12/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available